NIWA Intensifies Rainy Season Safety Drive in FCT Communities, Rallies Traditional Rulers Against Waterways Accidents
By Nofisat Jimoh
Abaji Campaign Reinforces Federal Government's Zero-Tolerance Policy on Marine Accidents as NIWA Expands Safety Awareness Across Inland Waterways
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has stepped up its nationwide campaign to reduce accidents on Nigeria's inland waterways by taking its marine safety and environmental protection sensitisation programme to Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the country experiences the peak of the rainy season.
The awareness campaign, organised by the Abuja Area/Liaison Office of NIWA on Wednesday, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, boat operators, fishermen, youth representatives and residents of riverine communities to promote safer navigation practices and encourage greater environmental responsibility among water users.
The initiative forms part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to safeguard lives and property on Nigeria's inland waterways in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It also reinforces the government's strict enforcement of the policy of zero tolerance for waterways transportation accidents, safety violations and environmental infractions.
The rainy season has historically been associated with increased risks on the nation's rivers and waterways due to rising water levels, stronger currents, submerged obstacles and flooding. These conditions often contribute to avoidable boat mishaps, making public enlightenment and compliance with safety regulations more important than ever.
Addressing participants during the sensitisation programme, the Area Manager of the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Hajia Aisha Eri, expressed appreciation to the people of Abaji and neighbouring communities for their cooperation with the Authority's safety initiatives.
She said the campaign was designed not only to educate residents on the importance of observing marine safety regulations but also to encourage communities to become active partners in preventing accidents and protecting the nation's waterways from pollution and environmental degradation.
According to her, many waterways accidents can be prevented through strict compliance with established safety standards, including the compulsory use of life jackets, avoidance of overloading, proper maintenance of boats and adherence to approved navigation guidelines.
She further stressed that protecting inland waterways goes beyond safe transportation, noting that indiscriminate dumping of refuse, oil spills and other forms of pollution threaten aquatic ecosystems, endanger livelihoods and reduce the long-term sustainability of Nigeria's blue economy.
Hajia Eri reaffirmed NIWA's commitment to sustaining regular public enlightenment campaigns across riverine communities, while also strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions, local authorities and other stakeholders to build a lasting culture of safety on the waterways.
"Our mission is to ensure that every journey on our inland waterways is a safe one. Safety is everyone's responsibility, and we believe that through continuous education and community partnership, we can significantly reduce accidents and preserve our waterways for future generations," she said.
The Emir of Kwali, His Royal Highness Alhaji Adamu Saba Aguma, who attended the programme, commended NIWA for bringing the sensitisation exercise directly to the grassroots, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
He observed that traditional institutions have a vital role to play in ensuring that safety messages reach every household and every boat operator within their domains.
The royal father pledged the full support of his emirate towards the implementation of all marine safety regulations and assured NIWA that community leaders would continue to encourage residents to comply fully with government directives aimed at protecting lives on the waterways.
Several district heads also expressed appreciation for the awareness campaign and pledged to mobilise their communities in support of NIWA's safety objectives.
Among those who spoke were the District Head of Kundu, John Dogole; Mohammed Yusuf, Sarkin Tungbufu; Ayahaya Nassarawa, Sarkin Nassarawa; Musa Wabai, Sarkin Kutara; Musa Alanana, Sarkin Kwago and Padama; and Abdullahi Kwakwa, Sarkin Kwakwa.
The traditional rulers unanimously described the sensitisation exercise as enlightening and necessary, particularly at a time when increased rainfall has heightened the dangers associated with water transportation.
They assured the Authority that they would continue to educate their subjects on the importance of observing safety measures, protecting the environment and reporting unsafe practices to relevant authorities.
The campaign is being implemented following a nationwide directive issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, who has instructed the National Inland Waterways Authority to intensify engagement with littoral communities across the country as part of efforts to improve safety standards and reduce fatalities on inland waterways.
In furtherance of this directive, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has mandated all Area Offices of the Authority to prioritise sustained community sensitisation, particularly during the rainy season when waterways become more hazardous due to rising water levels and changing weather conditions.
The Abuja Area/Liaison Office disclosed that the sensitisation campaign will continue in other waterfront and riverine communities across the Federal Capital Territory in the coming weeks, with the objective of reaching more residents, strengthening compliance with safety regulations and promoting environmental stewardship.
As NIWA expands its public enlightenment campaign nationwide, the Authority has reiterated its determination to work closely with traditional institutions, state and local governments, community leaders, security agencies and water transport operators to achieve a safer inland waterways system.
The Authority maintained that preventing waterways accidents requires collective action, urging all stakeholders to embrace safety as a shared responsibility.
It stressed that with continuous public education, strict compliance with regulations and active community participation, Nigeria can significantly reduce marine accidents, protect its aquatic environment and unlock the enormous economic potential of its inland waterways.
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